From time to time, the Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) is asked to distribute information on behalf of third parties. WRFN provides general information to self-advocates and families of children with special needs. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider. WRFN is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment when considering any resource.
Children with ASD, ages 3-18, are invited to attend 10-weeks of soccer with the Waterloo Minor Soccer Club. Siblings, ages 3-18 are also invited to join in on the fun!
The WMCS's Waterloo Stars is an adaptive program for children ages 3-18 to have a positive experience on a soccer team.
For this event, Autism Ontario will have full and private use of indoor field for 1 hour weekly. The Waterloo Minor Soccer Club will provide team jerseys, shorts, socks and a ball for the children with ASD.
Children will go through warm up exercises, break out into skills training and then end with a short game.
**Parents must participate with their children on the field**
The program runs October 13 to December 15 from 3-4pm
To learn more about this opportunity or to register please click here.
Disabilities Mentoring Day (DMD) is a full day of job shadowing that was started right here in Kitchener in 2011 by Dolphin Digital Technology to showcase the talent people with disabilities have and to provide greater access to accessible employers. DMD is now a national event bringing together employers across Canada with people who self identify as having a disability for a day of mentoring.
Goals for Dolphin Disabilities Mentoring Day:
To provide mentees access to workplace contacts, environments, skills, & HR process,
To increase confidence among students and jobseekers with disabilities,
To enhance internship, co-operative education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities,
To dispel employers’ fears about hiring people with disabilities and promote disability confidence,
To give employers an opportunity to benchmark themselves as being accessible to what is a largely untapped pool of talent as well as a massive consumer market.
Ontario Independent Facilitation Network is pleased to share some of their learning about facilitating change and customizing support, in service of citizenship for all people.
Eat, Cook & Mingle Tween - This 8 week group is for youth in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who want to learn basic cooking skills and make new friends in the process.
Eat, Cook & Mingle Teens - This 8 week group is targeted for youth who want to learn basic cooking skills and make some new friends while they do it.
Playtime Academy Jr. - Playtime Academy Jr. is a fun and engaging group for children aged -7 who require additional support in developing beginner social skills and peer interaction within a group setting.
Playtime Academy - Playtime Academy is a fun and engaging group for children aged 4 – 7 who require additional support learning how to interact and play appropriately with their peers.
Social Explorers - Social Explorers introduces Superflex and Team of Unthinkables to teach youth, ages 8-12 who struggle with social situations and how to navigate and gain control of their emotions.
Music Therapy - Firefly offers group and individual sessions led by a music therapist. Groups include Rock N Talk, Music & Mingle and Rock Band.
Swimming Lessons - Firefly Therapy Services swimming program provides an opportunity for children to learn important basic swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Do you have questions about your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
Join Autism Ontario for a three part IEP focused workshop, lead by Sue McDermid, Autism Ontario's Central West Family Support Coordinator.
The webinars will feature Ed Mahony, Special Education Teacher, and focus on helping parents get the most out of the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process. These interactive webinars focused on the next steps after your child's team has met to discuss educational outcomes. Discussion will follow after each webinar.
Saturday, October 13, 2018 - 10am - 12pm
Saturday, October 20, 2018 - 10am - 12pm
Saturday, October 27, 2018 - 10am - 12pm
CBI Home Health, 630 Weber St., Suite 200, Waterloo, ON N2V 2N2.
Just like, that the summer is over! Once again, here we are transitioning back into the school year. In this edition of Family Pulse we thought it would be useful to share a quick list of tricks and tools to use during the transition.
Back to school is a very busy time, during which parents need to remember to look after themselves. The reality is, transition time is a difficult time for parents. Getting to know and deal with new situations isn't just difficult for children, it's difficult for caregivers too. We hope you’ll find our tips useful for your own self-care during the upcoming transition time.
Don’t forget to check out What’s Happening at WRFN and Upcoming Community Events—there’s lots going on!
The A-Team Waterloo Region is primarily run by individuals with Aspergers Syndrome, for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, with some assistance from Waterloo Region Family Network. The goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment to meet fellow adults with Asperger's Syndrome [or ASD – level 1], discuss topics of interest, share experiences, and embrace our neurological diversity.
Building on the pilot project that was run in 2017, Cristina will be reintroducing the Ask A Self-Advocate Program at WRFN later this fall. If you would like to talk to someone else who understands what it is like to live with exceptionalities, or you wish to look at a challenge you are facing with a new perspective, this program might be a good fit for you. Once again, Cristina is happy to share her lived experience as an adult individual with an ASD. This program in open to individuals with disabilities, their families, or professional supports. Booking details will be made available in October, and the program will run on Mondays beginning in November.
